Need to make a decision?
You can find lots of decision-making models that will help you. The most famous is the Ben Franklin approach.
When Ben needed to make a decision, he listed the pros and cons across from each other on a piece of paper.
Then he made his decision accordingly.
With all due respect to Ben, I’ve always recommended the approach of another revered American (Abraham Lincoln) and his far-lesser-known friend (Leonard Swett).
In my experience, a good friend who will listen does a lot more to clear the mind than a pen and paper.
After all, at some point you don’t need advice. You probably know what you need to do. You may already know that you are going to do it.
You just need someone to listen while you “talk it out” for yourself.
Abraham Lincoln found himself in this situation in the summer of 1862. Lincoln was considering the pros and cons of freeing the slaves, the boldest move of his age.
He sent for Leonard Swett, an old friend, legal associate, and political ally from Illinois, where Lincoln practiced law and still owned a home.
Swett made the long journey to Washington. Initially, they chatted about mutual friends.
Then the president discussed his idea for emancipation. However, it wasn’t a discussion.
Lincoln read aloud a pro-emancipation letter and then two against emancipation. Swett listened as Lincoln outlined the pros and cons.
Carl Sandburg wrote, "He turned it inside out and outside in. He reasoned as though he did not care about convincing Swett, but as though he needed to think out loud in the presence of an old-timer he knew and could trust."
This went on for an hour. Then Lincoln said goodbye to Swett, who left the next day.
Lincoln never asked Swett for his opinion. He never asked for advice.
He just needed someone to listen.
Leonard Swett proved to be a true friend. He listened attentively and nothing more. He helped the president clarify his thinking.
Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. It took effect on the following New Year’s Day.
When faced with a decision, we often arrive at our choice without knowing it.
If you suspect you already know what you need to do, you don’t need advice.
By this point, you’ve used Ben Franklin’s method (with or without pen and paper).
All you need is a Leonard Swett.
Find one and have a talk.
You will make your decision quickly and effectively.
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